By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Although Edward J. Goodman was a published author, professor and world traveler, it was his personality that inspired others.

"He enjoyed the simple things. He wasn't flamboyant," said his daughter, Patrice Ashworth of Covedale. "He was a gentleman, and he tried to expose his children to different cultures - to teach us about diversity. Everyone loved being around him because he was so kind."

Mr. Goodman, a professor emeritus of history at Xavier University, died April 2 at Kensington Manor Nursing Home in Sarasota, Fla., of heart disease.

The longtime Monfort Heights resident was 87.

"He will be most remembered for his intelligence, gentleness, sense of humor - even in the difficult times - and his strong faith," his daughter said.

Born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, Mr. Goodman graduated from Loras College in 1938 and continued his education at Columbia University, where he earned his Ph.D. in history in 1951.

While working on his doctorate, he taught at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., before accepting a position to teach history at Xavier University in 1950.

Mr. Goodman took a yearlong sabbatical in 1965 to teach at the University of Illinois in Urbana.

There, he established a specialty in Latin American history.

In 1972, he wrote and published the book The Explorers of South America.

Mr. Goodman retired from Xavier University in 1982. He and his wife retired to Fort Myers, Fla.

A world traveler, he participated in foreign exchange programs at the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University and hosted several foreign exchange students.

Mr. Goodman was a member of the Hakluyt Society, the Society for the History of Discoveries and the Conference on Latin American History.

He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 30 years and was a longtime member of the Cincinnati Astronomical Society.

His wife, Jeanne F. Goodman, preceded him in death.

Besides his daughter, other survivors include another daughter, Karen Elias of Fairfield; two sons, Jim of Chang Mai, Thailand, and Steve of Lima, Peru; a brother, Thomas of Dubuque; and eight grandchildren.

Services have been held.

Burial was in Spring Grove Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the American Heart Association, 2936 Vernon Place, Cincinnati, OH 45219.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com